Supreme Court Extends Mining Safeguards to Wetland Conservation Reserves
Context
The Supreme Court has clarified that its February 2024 ruling, which mandates prior approval for mining activities within a 10 km radius of the Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve (Ramsar Site), will also apply to all wetland conservation reserves across India. The decision strengthens judicial protection for ecologically sensitive wetlands nationwide.
Key Highlights
- Asan Conservation Reserve, located at the confluence of the Asan and Yamuna rivers in Uttarakhand, was designated a Ramsar Site in 2020.
- Mining projects proposed within 10 km of such wetland conservation reserves must obtain prior approval from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) or the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), as applicable.
- India currently has 101 Ramsar Sites, the highest in Asia. Glaw Lake (Arunachal Pradesh) became the country’s 101st Ramsar Site in August 2026 and the state’s first.
- The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 are under judicial scrutiny over concerns that they diluted protections available under the earlier 2010 Rules.
Key Concepts
- Ramsar Convention (1971): An international treaty promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands. India became a contracting party in 1982.
- Wetland Conservation Reserve: A protected area notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve ecologically significant wetland ecosystems.
- Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ): A regulated buffer around protected areas where activities such as mining are restricted. The Supreme Court generally prohibits mining within 1 km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries unless a larger ESZ has been notified.
- National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): The apex statutory body responsible for wildlife conservation. Its Standing Committee examines projects that may impact protected wildlife habitats.
Way Forward
- Strengthen legal and ecological safeguards around Ramsar wetlands through robust buffer-zone protection.
- Ensure that developmental and mining activities are balanced with long-term wetland conservation and biodiversity protection.
- Resolve the legal issues surrounding the Wetlands Rules, 2017 to establish a stronger and more effective regulatory framework for wetland conservation.